Cockroach FAQ for NYC Residents

Despite the recent bedbug epidemic, cockroaches are still one of the most common pests rapidly infesting NYC homes. When roaches start popping up around your home or the home of someone you love, it is likely that you will have many questions. In this article, I will answer many of the common questions that may run through your mind if or when this type of situation hits home.

1) What type of cockroach is typically found in NYC homes?

German cockroaches and American Cockroaches are two of the most prominent household cockroaches in the NYC area. German cockroaches being the most recognized and profuse are commonly found in homes throughout NYC and across the world. Your home is an ideal habitat for cockroaches; providing them with an abundance of food, shelter, water, and breeding sites. These resources allow them to thrive year round in your home.

If your home has an infestation of cockroaches you will likely find German cockroaches in kitchens and bathrooms near dishwashers, sinks, and stoves; locations where they can easily access warmth, food, and water without having to travel far distances.

American cockroaches also thrive in moist, dark, warm areas. However, you are more likely to notice these pests in basements, in or around bathtubs, near water drains, and in restaurants.

2) What do German and American cockroaches look like?

German cockroaches are typically about ½ inch in length and range from tan to brown in color. The German cockroach has two dark parallel stripes running down their back. Despite having fully developed wings, German cockroaches cannot fly. Nymphs are similar in appearance but they do not have wings.

American cockroaches are a larger species of cockroach that are a reddish brown color and will generally grow to about 1 ½ inches long. Similar to the German cockroach, American cockroaches have full grown wings that span the length of their abdomen. However, American cockroaches are capable of flying.

3) What is the typical lifecycle of a German cockroach?

The lifecycle of a German cockroach is comprised of three stages: egg, nymph, and adult. Adult female cockroaches produce capsules of eggs approximately every two weeks; each capsule of eggs may contain a maximum of about 48 eggs. Each adult female is capable of producing as many as 8 capsules throughout their life span.

Length of lifecycle stages:

*egg in capsule= 28-30 days

*egg stage= 15-25 days

* nymph stage= greatly varies (1-8 months)

*adult stage= 5-7 months

4) Why do infestations of cockroaches happen so quickly?

NYC pest control companies commonly treat cockroach infestations. Cockroaches infest their habitats quickly due to their rapid rate of reproduction. Adult female cockroaches are capable of producing one egg capsule, carrying up to 48 eggs, every month and a half. The relatively quick life cycle and large amount reproductive opportunities allow for cockroaches to spread very rapidly.

A NYC dwelling allows for ample resources for cockroaches to thrive. As soon as cockroaches inhabit an area, with plentiful resources and rapid reproductive capabilities, they are likely to spread by the thousands.

5) Do cockroaches carry/transmit disease or pose a hazard to your health?

Not only do cockroaches give off a repulsive sent, they also pose a serious hazard to your health. Studies have found that cockroaches transmit diseases such as salmonella and carry disease causing bacterial agents for cholera, pneumonia, tetanus, tuberculosis and more. Cockroaches will commonly leave trails of fecal matter and regurgitated food that are possible contaminants of food and other household products. Their fecal matter and body parts (e.g., shells) are also well known allergens and may also have an impact on asthma symptoms.

6) What does it mean if I see cockroaches during the day?

Cockroaches are typically nocturnal pests that feed at night and rest during the day. If you are seeing cockroaches during the day it is likely that the population has become very large. As stated above, cockroaches prefer to dorm in dark, moist, hidden areas. If the population becomes too large the pests may be forced to move into unsafe areas in order to find new homes. Cockroaches may also come out during the day if they are low on food or moisture and therefore are forced to forage during daylight hours.

7) What is the difference between a German cockroach and an American cockroach? Can you have both?

American cockroaches are much larger than German cockroaches; they do not have stripes and are reddish in color. While both German and American cockroaches have wings, American cockroaches are more capable and likely to fly. German cockroaches are more of a household pest, while American cockroaches prefer darker damper areas such as basements and boiler rooms or facilities such as supermarkets where food is prepared. American cockroaches commonly used sewage and water lines to travel to new places; hence the nickname “water bug”.

8) What is the best way to control cockroach infestations in your home?

Call a NYC certified and insured pest control company. Home remedies may help control the problem temporarily but they are not likely to eliminate a cockroach infestation. NYC pest control companies will also be able to provide you with any information necessary regarding how you can help prevent and eliminate your pest problem.

Prior to treating your home for cockroaches, it is necessary to perform a thorough inspection. The more harborage locations that you find the more successful your control methods will be. Next, it is very important to eliminate or reduce the resources available to the pests’ population. You may want to consider using bait for the cockroaches to eat; however, if there is food accessible they will not eat the bait. Placing glue traps will allow you to monitor the population and identify the species of roach that you are dealing with. By identifying the type of species, you will be able to select appropriate baits and elimination techniques. Lastly, pest control companies will commonly use pesticide sprays that help suppress the problem as well.

Yes. One simple step toward preventing, controlling, and eliminating cockroaches within your home, is to seal all cracks, crevices, and holes that may be present. As mentioned above, the elimination or reduction of resources (e.g., food and moisture) available to the population is key in cockroach control. Speak to your local NYC pest control company regarding select bait stations, glue traps, powders, and pesticides that are environmental friendly.

10) What can I do to ensure that my home remains cockroach free?

There are many things you can do to help make sure that your home remains cockroach free. Be ware! Double check when carrying boxes, containers, and grocery/produce bags into your home. Sanitation is one of the most basic ways to ensure that your home remains cockroach free. Even the slightest amount of food or moisture falling into cracks and crevices will provide ample resources for a cockroach to thrive. Sealing cracks and crevice and placing weather stripping on doors and windows, will also help prevent many pest problems.

Need more information about cockroach extermination? Visit our website or call us for more information.

As many of you know, bedbugs have made a creepy crawling comeback in New York City and surrounding areas. The bedbug epidemic is impacting homes, retail stores, schools, and more. If you have nearly microscopic blood spots on your sheet or mattresses, wake up with tiny red bumps, and/or notice dark clusters near your mattress seams, call a professional exterminator...